PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Searching for your next summer travel adventure? Look no further than
the Grand Canyon State. From miles of shoreline, rivers and lakes to
luxurious hotels and urban excursions, Arizona is filled with
summer-time adventures all just a short drive away.

This week the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) launches its Summer
In AZregional advertising campaign to promote
summer travel adventures throughout the state.

“Arizona is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations in world.
You can hike one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, water ski on
the Colorado River or sit back to enjoy authentic local wine and
cuisine,” said Sherry Henry, AOT Director. “Travel is crucial to our
state’s economy and we’re encouraging all Arizonans to spend their
vacation right here in their own backyard. Before you know it, summer
will be over. So start planning and treat yourself to a wonderful
summertime vacation in Arizona.”

The three-month regional campaign encourages Arizona residents, as well
as travelers from nearby drive markets such as Los Angeles, California,
to choose their Arizona adventure through the campaign’s interactive
website, SummerInAZ.com.

There are ample opportunities for all sorts of water adventures, like
kayaking, white water rafting and jet-skiing throughout the state, along
with out-of-the-way hikes and picturesque landscapes. The state is also
home to a host of luxurious, but decidedly Western, accommodations like
historic hotels and boutique resorts in Tucson, as well as spas and
other great urban adventures in the Phoenix area. All within driving
distance.

The campaign is geared toward travelers in Phoenix and Los Angeles.
Advertising will appear in newspapers, magazines and online, and will be
supported by social media, outdoor digital billboards and cinema
placements. All advertising directs consumers to the SummerInAZ.com
website, which was built with responsive design making it accessible to
any PC, mobile or tablet device. AOT collaborated with the Off Madison
Ave marketing firm on the concept, design and execution of the campaign.

To start your Arizona adventure, visit SummerInAZ.com,
where you can explore trip ideas and itineraries along with featured
travel deals from Travel Zoo.

AOT continually markets Arizona as a world-class, premier destination to
global visitors. As one of Arizona’s most impactful economic drivers,
the Arizona tourism industry brings millions of visitors annually to the
Grand Canyon State. In 2012, more than 38 million visitors spent $19.3
billion throughout the state, contributing nearly $53 million each day
into Arizona’s economy.

The industry, which produces revenue in all 15 Arizona counties, is also
responsible for generating $2.6 billion in local, state and federal tax
revenues. This equates to more than $1,080 per Arizona household.
Additionally, the Arizona tourism industry employs more than 161,300
Arizona residents. Combined with the secondary employment that is
generated, nearly 300,000 Arizona residents are impacted by this vibrant
industry throughout the state.

For more information on AOT’s marketing efforts and/or research and
statistics, visit azot.gov.